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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Tuesday, February 10, 2026

Police Officer Indicted for Assault, Menacing and Official Misconduct
Stemming from Two On-Duty Incidents Involving Civilians

 Allegedly Pepper Sprayed Individual in Sunset Park and Slapped Handcuffed Prisoner

Brooklyn District Attorney Eric Gonzalez today announced that a New York City Police Officer has been arraigned on an indictment in which he is charged with assault, menacing and official misconduct for two separate on-duty incidents.

District Attorney Gonzalez said, “Instead of using the de-escalation techniques NYPD officers are trained to employ, this defendant allegedly assaulted a person in custody and threatened a civilian who complained. Trust between law enforcement and the public is essential to sustaining the hard-won gains that have driven homicide and gun violence in Brooklyn to record lows, and we will not allow an officer’s alleged misconduct to put our progress at risk. No one is above the law, and we will seek to hold him accountable through this prosecution.”

The District Attorney identified the defendant as Quran McPhatter, 42, of the 72nd Precinct in Sunset Park, Brooklyn. He was arraigned today before Brooklyn Supreme Court Justice Phyllis Chu on a 13-count indictment in which he is charged with two counts of third-degree assault, four counts of official misconduct, two counts of third-degree attempted assault, one count of third-degree attempted coercion, and four counts of third-degree menacing. He was released without bail and ordered to return to court on March 25, 2026.

The District Attorney said that, according to the investigation, on August 3, 2025, at approximately 6:45 p.m., in Sunset Park, located on 41st Street between Fifth and Seventh Avenues, a civilian saw an NYPD patrol car driving unsafely through a crowded area in the park. The patrol car was being driven by the defendant and the defendant’s partner was in the passenger seat. The civilian yelled at the defendant to slow down, and the defendant got out of the car and told the civilian to mind his own business.

Furthermore, according to the investigation, the civilian then demanded the defendant’s badge number and when he was near the car door the defendant allegedly opened the door, almost striking the civilian, then sprayed pepper spray on the ground and left. At approximately 7:34 p.m., the civilian went to the 72nd Precinct to report the defendant and identified him in the lobby in street clothes and again asked for his badge number. The defendant then allegedly responded by saying “I am not giving you anything,” and then pushed his chest up against the civilian’s chest. The two were separated by a sergeant and other officers. The defendant allegedly threatened to knock out the civilian and told him to wait outside for the defendant.

In a separate incident, on October 24, 2025, at approximately 12:34 p.m., in the vicinity of 140 58th Street, the defendant and his partner responded to a 60-year-old individual allegedly trespassing and told him to leave the area. A half-hour later they responded again, and the defendant arrested the individual, handcuffed him, allegedly berated him and threw him against the patrol car twice. The individual then was seated in the back seat and antagonizing the defendant, who was driving. During the car ride, the defendant allegedly reached into the backseat and grabbed the individual’s glasses off his face.

When they arrived at the 72nd Precinct, the defendant brought the individual in front of the desk sergeant and allegedly called the individual “a big dummy” and when the individual responded, the defendant allegedly slapped him in the face with an open hand. He was immediately taken off the case by the sergeant. The arrested individual was taken to Lutheran Hospital where he was treated and released.

The case is being prosecuted by Senior Assistant District Attorney Christopher Carter, of the District Attorney’s Law Enforcement Accountability Bureau, under the supervision of Assistant District Attorney Mark Pagliuco, Deputy Bureau Chief, and Assistant District Attorney Christopher Eribo, Bureau Chief.

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An indictment is an accusatory instrument and not proof of a defendant’s guilt.

 

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Tuesday, February 10, 2026

Fort Greene Man Sentenced to 25 Years to Life in Prison for Fatal Shooting
Outside Baby Shower at Brooklyn Church

Accidental Bump Inside Church Annex Escalated into Fatal Dispute

Brooklyn District Attorney Eric Gonzalez today announced that a Fort Greene, Brooklyn man has been sentenced to 25 years to life in prison for the fatal shooting of 26-year-old Courtney Tingle outside a baby shower held at a Prospect Heights church.

District Attorney Gonzalez said, “Courtney Tingle was a young father whose life was taken outside a church celebration meant to welcome new life. His family has endured an immeasurable loss, and today’s sentence holds the defendant accountable for that violence. While Brooklyn has seen significant reductions in gun violence since this tragic shooting, my office will continue to prosecute anyone who makes the irreparable decision to take a life.”

The District Attorney identified the defendant as Daquan Carter, 34, of Fort Greene, Brooklyn. He was sentenced today by Brooklyn Supreme Court Justice Eugene Guarino to 25 years to life in prison. The defendant was convicted of second-degree murder and second-degree criminal possession of a weapon on November 7, 2025, following a jury trial.

The District Attorney said that, according to the evidence, on March 22, 2019, at approximately 10 p.m., the victim was attending a baby shower at a church annex in Prospect Heights, Brooklyn with his girlfriend. During the event, the victim accidentally bumped into a woman, which led to a verbal confrontation involving the defendant and his cousins. The defendant and three of his cousins then lured the victim outside the venue and onto the street.

Once outside, the victim was physically assaulted by two of Carter’s cousins while the defendant waited nearby. The defendant then produced an illegal, loaded firearm and shot the victim four times, striking him as he lay defenseless up against a parked car. The shooting occurred outside a party attended by hundreds of people, including children.

The victim was taken by EMS to an area hospital where he was later pronounced dead. Carter fled the scene and, later, the state. When apprehended in November 2019, the defendant provided false statements to law enforcement that were contradicted by eyewitness testimony, surveillance video and other evidence presented at trial.

The District Attorney thanked Paralegal John Homnick, of the District Attorney’s Homicide Bureau, and Digital Forensic Analyst Richard Rojas, of the Digital Evidence Lab, for their assistance on this case.

The case was prosecuted by Senior Assistant District Attorney Christopher Mirabella and Assistant District Attorney Daphney Gachette, Deputy Chief of the District Attorney’s Homicide Bureau, under the supervision of Assistant District Attorney Leila Rosini, Homicide Bureau Chief.

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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Friday, February 6, 2026

East New York Woman Sentenced to 15 Years in Prison for
Stabbing Roommate and Pistol Whipping her Daughter

Defendant Also Fired Three Shots in Apartment and Stabbed Victim’s Dog

Brooklyn District Attorney Eric Gonzalez today announced that a Brooklyn woman has been sentenced to 15 years in prison following her guilty plea to attempted murder and criminal use of a firearm for stabbing her roommate in the neck and pistol whipping the victim’s daughter across her forehead.

District Attorney Gonzalez said, “Brooklyn is safer with this defendant behind bars. Her brazen and unprovoked violence could have easily cost an innocent life, and today’s sentence ensures she can no longer endanger our community. I am grateful to our prosecutors and the NYPD for their outstanding work on this case.”

The District Attorney identified the defendant as Iescha Gowdy, 34, of East New York, Brooklyn. She was sentenced today by Brooklyn Supreme Court Justice Rhonda Tomlinson to 15 years in prison and five years of post-release supervision. The defendant pleaded guilty to two counts of second-degree attempted murder and one count of first-degree criminal use of a firearm on January 6, 2026.

The District Attorney said that, according to the evidence, on January 1, 2024, at approximately 6:40 a.m., at 1004 Hegeman Avenue, a 57-year-old woman and her 39-year-old daughter and a friend were in the living room of the 57-year-old’s apartment where she lived with her roommate of five months, the defendant. The defendant came out of her bedroom into the living room holding a gun and threatened to shoot everyone in the apartment. She then fired three shots, striking no one.

The 57-year-old’s daughter ran from the apartment down a stairwell towards the second-floor landing and was followed by the defendant, according to the evidence, who pistol-whipped her on the forehead. The two began fighting, and the 57-year-old came down the stairs and was able to get the gun out of the defendant’s hand. The defendant went back up to the apartment and the victims remained on the landing and were assisted by a neighbor.

Approximately 10 minutes later, according to the evidence, the defendant returned holding a knife in each hand, she then lunged at the 57-year-old and stabbed her once in the neck. The defendant continued down the stairs and the victim followed her and saw the defendant pick up the victim’s dog (who had gotten out through the open apartment door). The defendant stabbed the dog once in the abdomen and left the building. Both the 57-year-old and the dog underwent treatment for their stab wounds.

The defendant was arrested the next day following an investigation.

The case was prosecuted by Senior Assistant District Attorney Amelia Digirolamo, of the District Attorney’s Red Zone Trial Bureau, under the supervision of Assistant District Attorney Karla Watson, Bureau Chief.

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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Friday, February 6, 2026

Man Sentenced to 15 Years to Life in Prison for Murder of
His Mother in Her Bay Ridge Apartment

Defendant Fatally Stabbed Victim 18 Times, Fled Scene Covered in Her Blood

Brooklyn District Attorney Eric Gonzalez today announced that a Brooklyn man has been sentenced to 15 years to life in prison after pleading guilty to repeatedly stabbing and murdering his mother inside her Bay Ridge apartment.

District Attorney Gonzalez said, “Inna Deshkovich lost her life at the hands of her own son, leaving her family and loved ones with an unimaginable loss. Domestic violence, including violence against parents and family members, is a profound public safety issue, and this sentence reflects the seriousness of that harm. My office will continue to aggressively prosecute anyone who commits acts of violence in our communities.”

The District Attorney identified the defendant as Vladislav Deshkovich, 32, of Bay Ridge, Brooklyn. He was sentenced today by Brooklyn Supreme Court Justice Dineen Riviezzo to the Court’s offer of 15 years to life in prison after pleading guilty to second-degree murder on January 9, 2026.

The District Attorney said that, according to the evidence, on December 1, 2023, at approximately 7:40 p.m., the defendant went to his mother’s apartment on 93rd Street in Bay Ridge, Brooklyn. An argument ensued and was overheard by a neighbor, who knocked on the apartment door. The defendant answered the door and stated that everything was fine. Shortly after, the neighbor observed the defendant fleeing the apartment. When the neighbor returned, she found the victim, 54-year-old Inna Deshkovich, lying in a pool of blood, unresponsive and suffering from numerous stab wounds.

Medics pronounced the victim dead at the scene, and police apprehended the defendant later that night. The defendant was found with blood on his clothing, which was later confirmed through DNA analysis to belong to his mother. An autopsy revealed that the victim suffered 18 stab wounds, including at least three to her face.

The case was prosecuted by Senior Assistant District Attorney Matthew Perry of the District Attorney’s Homicide Bureau, under the supervision of Assistant District Attorney Leila Rosini, Homicide Bureau Chief.

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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Friday, January 23, 2026

Woman Without New York Medical License Indicted for Recklessly Performing High-Risk Medical Procedure out of Sheepshead Bay Salon

Defendant Allegedly Performed Brazilian Butt Lift that Nearly Killed Woman

Brooklyn District Attorney Eric Gonzalez today announced that a woman who held herself out as a physician has been indicted for recklessly performing a high-risk medical procedure commonly known as a “Brazilian butt lift” without the required medical license to do so, causing a 46-year-old woman to suffer a life-threatening infection and severe injuries.

District Attorney Gonzalez said, “This defendant is accused of deceiving a victim by falsely presenting herself as though she were licensed to practice medicine and conducting a high-risk surgery she was not legally qualified to perform. The alleged conduct left the victim with life-threatening injuries and required extensive medical care. My office will aggressively prosecute anyone pretending to be a medical professional and putting New Yorkers’ lives in danger.”

The District Attorney identified the defendant as Nargiza Shukurova, 39, of Uzbekistan. She was arraigned today before Brooklyn Supreme Court Justice Danny Chun on an indictment charging her with second-degree assault, third-degree assault, unauthorized practice of a profession, fourth-degree criminal possession of a weapon and second-degree reckless endangerment. Bail was set at $25,000 cash or $200,000 bond and the defendant was ordered to return to court on March 25, 2026.

The District Attorney said that, according to the investigation, in all plastic surgery, the Brazilian butt lift (“BBL”) must be performed with the greatest of care, as it has the highest mortality rate of any cosmetic surgery procedure. The defendant advertised on social media, using the title “Dr. Nargiza” and “Dr. Nargis,” offering “butt enlargement, buttocks shape correction” and “Barbie lips,” among other services, with before and after photographs. The defendant did not have a license to practice medicine in New York State and was not authorized to perform a BBL.

The investigation further revealed that the defendant allegedly performed a BBL on the victim on May 7, 2023, at Fleur de Beaute Salon, which was located in Sheepshead Bay, Brooklyn and was not a New York State authorized surgical facility. The defendant did not take the victim’s medical history or perform a basic physical exam, and did not follow standard surgical procedures.

In the following days, the victim began to experience severe medical complications, including a life-threatening infection. As the victim’s infection worsened, the defendant allegedly discouraged the victim from seeking immediate medical treatment and instead attempted to manage the victim’s rapidly declining condition herself.

Almost three weeks after the BBL, the victim lost consciousness in her home and her family rushed her to a local hospital where she underwent approximately a dozen surgeries over two months to treat an infection that nearly killed her. During her hospital stay, the defendant allegedly left messages on the victim’s phone begging her to lie to hospital personnel about the procedure and not reveal her identity.

The defendant was arrested at Los Angeles International Airport on a Kings County warrant on January 9, 2026.

The District Attorney thanked Digital Forensic Analyst Richard Rojas, of the District Attorney’s Digital Evidence Lab, Intelligence Analyst Veranika Basak, of the Investigations Division, and Detective Investigators from the KCDA Detective Bureau for their assistance on the case as well as the U.S. Department of Homeland Security’s Homeland Security Investigations, the U.S. Department of State’s Diplomatic Security Service, and the Los Angeles Police Department.

The case is being prosecuted by Assistant District Attorney Laura Neubauer, Chief of the Organized Crime and Racketeering Bureau, and Senior Assistant District Attorney Jessica White, of the Frauds Bureau. The case was investigated by now retired Chief of the Healthcare Fraud Unit, Maria Leonardi and ADA Jessica White, under the supervision of Assistant District Attorney Michel Spanakos, Deputy Chief of the Investigations Division and Assistant District Attorney Patricia McNeill, Chief of the Investigations Division.

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An indictment is merely an accusation and not proof of a defendant’s guilt.

 

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Friday, January 23, 2026

Brooklyn Man Arraigned on Attempted Murder and Other Charges for Allegedly Striking Woman Intentionally with His Car

The Victim was Captured on Surveillance Video Being Struck as She Stepped into Crosswalk
In East New York Area Known as the Penn Track

Brooklyn District Attorney Eric Gonzalez today announced that a Brooklyn man has been arraigned on an indictment in which he is charged with attempted murder, assault and other charges in connection with striking a woman in the vicinity of Wortman Avenue and Alabama Avenue, known as the “Penn Track,” a stretch of roadway that is frequently used by people engaging in sexual conduct for money.

District Attorney Gonzalez said, “Targeting a vulnerable individual in a crosswalk is a cowardly act of extreme depravity that will not be tolerated in Brooklyn. We allege that the victim in this case was subjected to a terrifying, intentional assault that could have cost her life. Having reached historic milestones in public safety last year, we will not permit this kind of brazen violence to threaten the security of our streets. My office remains steadfast in our commitment to protect every member of our community, and we will vigorously seek accountability for this despicable alleged crime.”

The District Attorney identified the defendant as Kevin Morgan, 31, of Brooklyn. He was arraigned yesterday before Brooklyn Supreme Court Justice John Hecht on an indictment in which he is charged with second-degree attempted murder, second-degree assault, first-degree attempted assault, and first-degree reckless endangerment. The defendant is being held on bail of $50,000 cash or $250,000 bond and ordered to return to court on March 4, 2026.

The District Attorney said that the investigation began when the victim, a 25-year-old woman, who was engaging in sexual conduct for money at the time, reported to police that she had been assaulted by several people in the vicinity of Wortman Avenue and Alabama Avenue, on January 1, 2024.

While looking into that assault, investigators recovered surveillance footage of a red Jeep, registered to the defendant, stopped at the intersection Wortman Avenue and Alabama Avenue, that allegedly showed the red Jeep accelerate directly into the victim while she was standing in crosswalk, in the morning hours of January 1, 2024.

In addition, another video taken from inside the Jeep that captured the victim being struck was recently found on an iPad that was seized during a traffic stop of the Jeep, according to the investigation. The defendant was driving the Jeep when he was stopped for an alleged traffic infraction.

The video was allegedly taken by a female passenger from the backseat of the Jeep and allegedly captures the defendant saying “Oh, there she go — she in the middle of the thing.” The unidentified female responded: “Oh, perfect opportunity.” The video then shows the Jeep allegedly driving directly into the victim.

Finally, it is alleged, the defendant sent the video to multiple individuals at one point saying, “I don’t regret it. This was a message to everybody. Not playing around this year.”

The victim was taken to Brookdale Hospital where she was treated for injuries consistent with being assaulted and being struck by a motor vehicle, though she allegedly has no independent memory of being struck by the Jeep. No one has been arrested for the January 1, 2024, alleged assault of the victim.

The investigation was led by New York City Police Department Detective Mark Shackel, of the FBI-NYPD Child Exploitation and Human Trafficking Task Force, under the supervision of Lieutenant Amy Morin, and under the overall supervision of Inspector Gary Marcus.

The District Attorney thanked Special Agent Margaret Murphy from the Federal Bureau of Investigation New York Field Office and Detective Dikensy Moussignac from the New York City Police Department’s Technical Assistance Response Unit for their assistance in this investigation.

The case is being prosecuted by Senior Assistant District Attorney Audrey Chao, under the supervision of Assistant District Attorney David Weiss, Chief of the District Attorney’s Human Trafficking Unit, and the overall supervision of Assistant District Attorney Miss Gregory, Chief of the Special Victims Bureau.

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An indictment is merely an accusation and not proof of a defendant’s guilt.

 

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Tuesday, January 6, 2026

Defendant Sentenced to 23 Years to Life in Prison for
Fatal Shooting of Former Friend in Brownsville

Victim Shot Multiple Times Following Dispute

Brooklyn District Attorney Eric Gonzalez today announced that a man has been sentenced to 23 years to life in prison for the shooting death of a Brooklyn man following a dispute in Brownsville, Brooklyn.

District Attorney Gonzalez said, “Today’s sentence provides accountability for this defendant for escalating an argument into a shooting and taking a man’s life. Gun violence is at record lows in Brooklyn and keeping defendants such as this individual off of our streets makes communities safer. I am committed to delivering justice for victims and continuing to keep our borough safer than ever.”

The District Attorney identified the defendant as Harvey French, 54, of Brownsville, Brooklyn. He was sentenced today by Brooklyn Supreme Court Justice Phyllis Chu to 23 years to life in prison. The defendant was convicted of second-degree murder and second-degree criminal possession of a weapon on October 17, 2025, following a jury trial.

The District Attorney said that, according to the evidence, at approximately 6:30 p.m., on April 18, 2022, at the Brownsville Houses, in the vicinity of Blake Avenue and Rockaway Avenue in Brownsville the defendant and the victim, who knew each other, were engaged in a verbal dispute, which was escalated by the defendant when he pulled out a gun and opened fire approximately five to seven times.

The victim was struck in the chest, the side and the legs, and when he tried to get away, according to the evidence, the defendant continued firing and struck him in the back before fleeing the scene.

The victim was rushed to Brookdale University Hospital, where he was pronounced dead.

Following an investigation, the defendant was arrested on October 3, 2022 in Brooklyn.

The District Attorney thanked Homicide Paralegal John Homnick, Intelligence Analyst Selena Collado and the KCDA Detective Investigators for their assistance on this case.

The case was prosecuted by Senior Assistant District Attorney Robert Schwartz, of the District Attorney’s Homicide Bureau, and Senior Assistant District Attorney Stacie Ulberg, of the District Attorney’s Orange Zone Trial Bureau, under the supervision of Assistant District Attorney Leila Rosini, Homicide Bureau Chief.

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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Wednesday, December 31, 2025

Brooklyn Finishes 2025 with Fewest Murders, Shootings,

Shooting Victims and Shooting Homicides in Recorded History

Homicides Dropped by 24%, Shootings by 15% and Victims by 11%;
Achievement Punctuates 5-Year Trend of Declines in All Gun Violence Categories

Brooklyn District Attorney Eric Gonzalez today announced that 2025 was the safest year in Brooklyn’s history, with record-lows in homicides and shooting homicides, both dropping precipitously by about 25%. Shooting incidents and shooting victims also dipped to new lows, dropping 15% and 11% respectively, improving on last year’s records. Brooklyn was the only borough where these four categories decreased year after year since peaking in 2020.  

District Attorney Gonzalez said, “Brooklyn’s record-low homicides and gun violence prove that community engagement, fairness, and trust make neighborhoods safer. By listening to residents, holding the most dangerous offenders accountable, and breaking cycles of violence, we are showing that safety comes from partnership, not vilifying our neighbors. I am confident that we can continue this encouraging trend into the new year.”

The historic decline in gun violence in Brooklyn over the past five years, and especially this past year, is nothing short of remarkable. Bringing murders and shootings to lows never seen in the modern history of our borough is proof of the success of our holistic approach that includes partnerships between communities and law enforcement, strong enforcement, preventative programs, investments in the latest technology and offering second chances when appropriate., and I intend to keep up the progress we’ve made in other areas, such as retail theft and combatting fraud.”

The District Attorney said that there were 91 murders in Brooklyn over the past year, a 24% decline from the 120 last year (beating the previous low of 98, recorded in 2018). Shooting homicides plummeted by 25% to 47 from 63 in 2024 (the previous low of 58 was recorded in 2017 and 2019). After reaching historic lows last year, shootings and shooting victims continued to decrease with 244 shooting incidents (43 or 15% fewer than last year) and 307 victims (40 or 11% fewer). Since 2020, when violence rose to levels not seen in a decade amid a global pandemic and social strife, homicides dropped by 48%, shootings by 63% and shooting victims by 62%. Brooklyn is the only borough in the city where these categories went down every year over that span.

Gun violence in 2025 declined even more significantly in and around housing developments across the borough, with a 41% decline in homicides, 31% in shootings and 32% in shooting incidents. During 2025, there were three stretches of 17 days without a single homicide in Brooklyn (population: about 2.8 million) and two nine-day periods without a single shooting victim.

The biggest decline in homicides took place in Brownsville, which had seven murders compared to 21 the previous year, a whopping 67% plunge. In Crown Heights, there were five homicides compared to 12 (58% decline) and in Bensonhurst there were none after six murders the year before. Other precincts with no homicides for the year were in Bay Ridge, Borough Park and Greenpoint. The largest reductions in shootings were seen in Crown Heights (46%), Brownsville (34%) and East New York (31%).

In addition, arrests for retail theft dropped by nearly 20% (largest among all boroughs), following the implementation of an enforcement program against recidivists in cooperation with major retailers. Brooklyn also led the city in percentage decline in burglaries (8.6%). Other noted reductions included hate crimes (down 10.8%) auto theft (10.6%) and robberies (5.4%).

[All stats are based on the NYPD’s Compstat report as of today.]

The District Attorney said that there were 133 trials in Supreme Court this year, leading to 135 verdicts – 115 were convictions for an 85% conviction rate. A notable trial resulted in one of the lengthiest sentences for a deed fraud scheme, with seven years in prison plus the return of 11 properties stolen by the defendant. The Violent Criminal Enterprises Bureau, together with the NYPD, brought down two gangs in separate long-term investigations involving numerous shootings, including fatal ones. The Virtual Currency Unit continued its work protecting residents from devastating financial scams, including the indictment of a Brooklyn man for stealing over $15 million in cryptocurrency and the freezing of hundreds of thousands in stolen funds (its Chief was described by the Economist magazine as “one of a handful of people in America trying to get scammed money back”).

In the community, the District Attorney’s Office hosted over 30 community events, including crime prevention seminars, food and toys giveaways, holiday celebrations and more. During two gun buyback events, over 350 firearms were turned in and are now off the streets. And the office relaunched Project Restore which will attempt to reach gang-involved youth at an early stage and provide them with resources and support.

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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Wednesday, December 24, 2025

Queens Man Indicted for Brutal Kidnapping, Assault and
Sexually Motivated Attack on 25-Year-Old Woman in East New York

Defendant Allegedly Beat, Strangled and Sexually Assaulted
Woman Inside His Van Along the Penn Track

Brooklyn District Attorney Eric Gonzalez today announced that a Queens man has been arraigned on an indictment for allegedly kidnapping, assaulting and sexually abusing a 25-year-old woman in an East New York area commonly known as the “Penn Track,” a stretch of roadway along Pennsylvania Avenue near Malta Street and Linden Boulevard that is frequently used by people engaged in sexual conduct for money.

District Attorney Gonzalez said, “This was an exceptionally violent and degrading attack, and the allegations reflect a level of cruelty that is deeply disturbing. My office stands firmly with the victim, and we are committed to protecting people who are vulnerable to exploitation. We will use every tool available to hold the defendant accountable and to pursue any individual who uses such horrific violence and brutality to prey on at-risk individuals in Brooklyn.”

The District Attorney identified the defendant as Rasi Vendryes, 48, of Queens. He is charged in a multi-count indictment with second-degree kidnapping, first-degree sexual abuse, second-degree strangulation as a sexually motivated felony, second-degree robbery as a sexually motivated felony and related counts. He was arraigned today before Brooklyn Supreme Court Justice Adam Perlmutter. Bail was set at $75,000 cash or $150,000 bond. The defendant was ordered to return to court on January 28, 2026.

The District Attorney said that, according to the investigation, on December 31, 2023, at approximately 3 a.m., the victim, who was engaged in acts of sexual conduct for money, approached the defendant’s grey Sprinter-style van near Malta Avenue after the two agreed to meet. After the victim entered the vehicle, the defendant allegedly drove her to a more secluded area and brought her to the back of the van. Once there, the victim observed bleach and metal chains.

The defendant then allegedly struck the victim in the head, which disoriented her and caused her to fall to the floor of the van. The defendant allegedly sat on her stomach, placed his hands around her neck and punched her repeatedly, while threatening to kill her if she attempted to escape. During the attack, the defendant allegedly sexually assaulted her while continuing to strangle her. The victim struggled to breathe, her vision blurred and she began to lose feeling in her extremities.

The victim was able to get to the front of the van, where she observed a large knife on the dashboard as the defendant allegedly locked the doors. She rolled down the passenger side window, and when she leaned out the window to scream for help, the defendant allegedly pushed her out of the vehicle, leaving her partially unclothed in the street. He then allegedly drove off with her purse, jacket and phone.

The victim later sought medical treatment and was found to have injuries consistent with the assault, including pain and visible trauma to her head and body. Her cell phone was later located using the Find My app in a Queens park near the defendant’s home.

The victim reported the attack in August 2024, when she encountered an NYPD Human Trafficking Team detective conducting outreach on the Penn Track. In September 2024, the victim allegedly again saw the defendant driving in the area. She photographed his license plate and later identified him in a photo array, which led to his arrest.

If you believe you have been a victim of this defendant, please call the District Attorney’s Human Trafficking hotline at 718-250-2770. See photos of the defendant and his van below.

The case investigation was led by New York City Police Department Detective Denis Regimbal of the FBI-NYPD Child Exploitation and Human Trafficking Task Force, under the supervision of Lieutenant Amy Morin, and under the overall supervision of Inspector Gary Marcus.

The District Attorney thanked Human Trafficking Unit Social Worker Raquel Alger, Office Manager Aurora Martinez and Paralegal Aaliyah Antrobus, as well as Senior Assistant District Attorney Grace Hogan and Office Manager Brenda Campbell of the Law Enforcement Assistance Unit, for their assistance with the investigation.

The case is being prosecuted by Assistant District Attorney Mary Monahan, Deputy Chief of the District Attorney’s Human Trafficking Unit, under the supervision of Assistant District Attorney David Weiss, Unit Chief, and the overall supervision of Assistant District Attorney Miss Gregory, Chief of the Special Victims Bureau.

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An indictment is an accusatory instrument and not a proof of a defendant’s guilt.

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Wednesday, December 24, 2025

Brighton Beach Mother and Daughter Indicted for

Labor and Sex Trafficking in Massage Parlors

Defendants Allegedly Forced Victim to Engage in
Sexual Conduct with Customers in Gravesend and Midwood

Brooklyn District Attorney Eric Gonzalez today announced that two women, a mother and daughter, have been arraigned on an indictment in which they are charged with sex trafficking, labor trafficking, promoting prostitution, and related charges for allegedly forcing a woman to engage in sexual conduct for money and promoting the prostitution of another woman.

District Attorney Gonzalez said, “These defendants allegedly coerced and abused a vulnerable woman during a difficult time in her life, while running multiple illicit massage parlors in numerous locations in Brooklyn. I am fully committed to investigating and prosecuting this type of abhorrent trafficking, to protect victims and to fight against all exploitation of women.”

The District Attorney identified the defendants as Taya Benayun, 59, and Vladilina Benaun, 37, of Brighton Beach, Brooklyn. They were arraigned today before Brooklyn Supreme Court Justice Adam Perlmutter on a nine-count indictment in which they are charged with sex trafficking, labor trafficking, third- and fourth-degree promoting prostitution, and permitting prostitution. They were each ordered held on bail of $150,000 cash or $300,000 bond and to return to court on February 11, 2026.

The District Attorney said the investigation began following a series of community complaints regarding an alleged illicit massage parlor located at 2281 McDonald Avenue in Gravesend.

The District Attorney said that, according to the investigation, one of the victims, a 23- year-old woman, needed to raise money for her ill father and was referred to the defendants by a friend in January 2024. She was allegedly forced to work from 11 a.m. to 1 a.m. six days a week and required to split her earnings from engaging in sexual conduct 50/50 with the defendants. The victim worked out of alleged massage parlors run by the defendants at 2281 McDonald Avenue and 1204 Coney Island Avenue.

The victim’s father died in June 2024, and after that the victim became ill and could not work. While she was in the hospital recovering, it is alleged, the defendants called and texted her incessantly and threatened to report her to the authorities. They also allegedly threatened her and a friend of hers with physical violence. The victim eventually returned to work because of the alleged threats and was afraid to leave.

Furthermore, it is alleged, in February 2025, a second victim, a 20-year-old woman, responded to an advertisement the defendants allegedly placed for a massage parlor employee on RusRek.com, the digital version of Russkaya Reklama, a Russian language newspaper. The victim worked three days a week and could choose her schedule. The financial split, however, was the same 50/50. She also told police that she worked at 1204 Coney Island Avenue and 2359 Coney Island Avenue, and that multiple women worked at both locations. She also alleged that the locations had multiple internal and external surveillance cameras so that their activity could be monitored at all times.

The case investigation was led by Police Officer Konstantin Lyubinsky, of the New York City Police Department Brooklyn Vice Enforcement Division, under the supervision of Sergeant Brian Gribbin and Lieutenant Ewa Lapinska, and the overall supervision of Deputy Inspector Stanislav Levitsky.

The District Attorney thanked Human Trafficking Unit Social Worker Raquel Alger, Office Manager Aurora Martinez, Paralegal Aaliyah Antrobus, Deputy Unit Chief Robert Kaftal, and Senior Assistant District Attorney Fernando Leal and Office Manager Brenda Campbell from the Law Enforcement Assistance Unit for their assistance on this investigation.

The case is being prosecuted by Assistant District Attorney Mary E. Monahan, Deputy Chief of the District Attorney’s Human Trafficking Unit, under the supervision of Assistant District Attorney David Weiss, Chief of the Human Trafficking Unit and the overall supervision of Assistant District Attorney Miss Gregory, Chief of the District Attorney’s Special Victims Bureau. 

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An indictment is merely an accusation and not proof of a defendant’s guilty